Training device and method of using same

ABSTRACT

A training device is described having a net and a frame. The frame has a first side frame, a second side frame defining a net receiving area. The frame includes an adjustable cross-bar with a first section coupled to the first side frame, and a second section coupled to the second side frame. The first section is movable relative to the second section for moving a first portion of the first side frame and a second portion of the second side frame between a net tensioning position a first distance apart and an assembly position a second distance apart. The second distance is less than the first distance. The first distance is a predetermined distance that properly stretches and tensions the net. The net is supported and tensioned to form a concave ramp surface when the adjustable cross-bar is in the net tensioning position.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The present patent application claims priority to the provisional patent application identified by U.S. Ser. No. 62/165,561 and filed on May 22, 2015, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to a training device, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an improved training device having an adjustable top cross-bar to facilitate mounting a net at a known tension for returning a ball to a user and methods of using same.

Brief Description of Related Art

Sports training aides have been developed to assist a player while practicing a particular sport. Many sports, such as soccer, are considered “team sports” and thus generally require at least two players to practice and/or participate in a game. However, a player may wish to practice his sport without the availability or desire of an additional player.

Many training devices are ball return devices and are predicated on a rebounding system. These training aides are used by individuals practicing a sport, such as soccer, without the presence of an additional player. Existing ball return training aides include spring-loaded nets having a metal stand-up frame. Spring-loaded nets allow an individual to practice a sport, such as soccer, so that when the individual kicks a soccer ball into the net, the ball is returned to the individual so that the individual can immediately kick the ball again. The ball is typically returned to the individual in a manner such that the individual can anticipate the location in which the ball will land when it is returned. Some of the existing ball return training aids allow a ball to be returned at the ground level.

Many sports, such as soccer, require the effective use of various parts of a player's body such as, for example, the head, shoulders, chest, legs, and feet, for controlling and trapping the ball as well as passing and taking shots. To return a ball at a level consistent with a person's head, shoulders and chest using a conventional net, the net must be supported in a curved configuration and highly tensioned. Existing ball return training aides require assembly of multiple pieces to form a frame upon which the net is applied. Assembling one of these training aids becomes challenging, however, due to the high tension that must be applied to the net.

Therefore, a need exists for an improved training device having a curved net at a sufficient tension to permit return of a ball at head height and/or chest height that has a frame designed to permit a straightforward and simple application of the net to the frame. It is to such a device and method that the present disclosure is directed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary training device constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the training device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of a frame of the training device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the frame of the training device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top elevation view of the frame of the training device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6A is a front elevation view of an exemplary adjustable crossbar of the frame of the training device of FIG. 3 placed in net tensioning position.

FIG. 6B is a front elevation view of the adjustable crossbar depicted in FIG. 6A placed in an assembly position.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the adjustable crossbar of FIGS. 6A and 6B.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of the training device constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specific embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further, in the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

Unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the inventive concept. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless otherwise stated.

The terminology and phraseology used herein is for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” or “involving,” and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited or inherently present therein.

As used herein any references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “some embodiments” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification may not refer to the same embodiment.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, a training device 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown positioned on a ball support surface 12. Examples of ball support surfaces include a ground, a floor, or any ball support surface 12 suitable for positioning the training device 10 thereon. The training device 10 is used for practicing various sporting activities such as, for example, soccer, and similar sporting activities involving the practice of various sporting techniques without the aid of an additional individual and/or player.

The training device 10 includes a frame 14 formed of a suitable material, such as, for example, plastic, metal, or any material sufficiently durable for the uses described herein. Broadly, the frame 14 includes a curved end 16, a flat end 18, a first side 19, a second side 20, a top end 21, and a bottom end 22. In one embodiment, the curved end 16, the flat end 18, the first side 19, the second side 20, the top end 21, and the bottom end 22 cooperate to define a first net receiving area 23 and a second net receiving area 24. The curved end 16, the first side 19, the second side 20 and the top end 21 support a first net 26 in the first net receiving area 23. The flat end 18, the first side 19, the second side 20, the top end 21 and the bottom end 22 supports a second net 28 in the second net receiving area 24. The frame 14 can be secured to the ball support surface 12 via stakes or the like for providing stabilization and/or weight to the training device 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first net 26 is configured to form a concave ramp surface 30. The concave ramp surface 30 has a lower edge 32, an upper edge 34, a first lateral edge 36, and a second lateral edge 38. The concave ramp surface 30 is shown to extend from the lower edge 32 to the upper edge 34 along a direction of extent (represented by line 40 in FIG. 1).

The lower edge 32 is shown to be perpendicular to the direction of extent 40. However, it should be appreciated that the lower edge 32 may be oriented at a variety of angles relative to the direction of extent 40 of the concave ramp surface 30. In one embodiment, the concave ramp surface 30 has a uniform width extending between the first lateral edge 36 and the second lateral edge 38.

The lower edge 32 is positionable on the ball support surface 12 so that when a ball (not shown) is put in motion along the ball support surface 12 (FIG. 1), the ball is receivable onto the concave ramp surface 30 via the lower edge 32. The lower edge 32 is configured to define a thin edge so that when the training device 10 is placed on the ball support surface 12, the lower edge 32 is substantially flush with the ball support surface 12 so that the ball has a smooth transition from the ball support surface 12 to the concave ramp surface 30.

The upper edge 34 of the concave ramp surface 30 is vertically spaced from the lower edge 32, and the concave ramp surface 30 is formed to have an angle of curvature greater than 90 degrees from the lower edge 32 to the upper edge 34 such that the ball traveling along the concave ramp surface 30 from the lower edge 32 to the upper edge 34 is directed or looped back over the lower edge 32 and toward the user or a training area located in front of the lower edge 32. The upper edge 34 is shown to be at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the angle of extent 40 and non-parallel with the lower edge 32. In the example shown, the upper edge 34 at the second lateral edge 38 is vertically higher relative to the upper edge 34 at the first lateral edge 36 so that an exit angle of the ball traveling along the concave ramp surface 30 varies depending upon where the ball exits the first net 26.

Between the lower edge 32 and the upper edge 34, the radius of curvature of the concave ramp surface 30 varies and becomes greater from the first lateral edge 36 to the second lateral edge 38. The radius of curvature of the concave ramp surface 30 between the lower edge 32 and the upper edge 34 should be of sufficient magnitude to permit the ball to travel smoothly along the angle of curvature thereby transitioning from lower edge 32 to the upper edge 34 without prematurely projecting from the first net 26 of the training device 10. That is, the radius of the concave ramp surface 30 between the lower edge 32 and the upper edge 34 should be sufficiently sized such that the ball travels along the angle of curvature until exiting the training device 10 via the upper edge 34.

The concave ramp surface 30 is formed to define a ball receiving section 44 extending from the lower edge 32 to a horizontal plane (designated by a line 46) extending normal to the concave ramp surface 30 and a ball return section 48 extending from the horizontal plane 46 to the upper edge 34 of the concave ramp surface 30. In one embodiment, the ball receiving section 44 of the concave ramp surface 30 has a constant radius so as to provide a gradual incline from the ball support surface 12. The radius of the ball return section 48 preferably is variable. For example, in using the training device 10 for practicing the sport of soccer, the radius of the ball return section 48 is preferably about 18-20 inches in length. It should be understood, however, that other radiuses may be employed and that the radius of the ball return section 48 may be any radius desired, constant or variable, so as to allow the training device 10 to perform in accordance with the intended function described herein.

To permit the ball to exit the upper edge 34 at different angles relative to the ball support surface 12 and thereby return to the user at different trajectories, the angle of curvature of the concave ramp surface 30 between the lower edge 32 and the upper edge 34 is variable between the first lateral edge 36 and the second lateral edge 38 of the first net 26. As discussed above, the upper edge 34 of the concave ramp surface 30 is formed to be in a non-perpendicular relationship with respect to the direction of extent 40 of the concave ramp surface 30 and the upper edge 34 in a non-parallel relationship with respect to the lower edge 32. However, it should be understood that the upper edge 34 may be in a parallel relationship with respect to the lower edge 32 while the upper edge 34 remains in a non-perpendicular relationship with respect to the direction of extent of the concave ramp surface 30 should the lower edge 32 be oriented in a non-perpendicular relationship with respect to the direction of extent 40.

Due to the angled orientation of the upper edge 34 relative to the direction of extent 40 of the concave ramp surface 30, the angle of curvature of the concave ramp surface 30 between the lower edge 32 and the upper edge 34 varies from the first lateral edge 36 of the first net 26 to the second lateral edge 38 thereof. A ball exiting the upper edge 34 at or near the first lateral edge 36 of the first net 26 will exit at a steeper angle greater than a ball exiting the upper edge 34 at or near the second lateral edge 38 thereof resulting in the ball being directed at a steeper angle which in turn may permit the user to receive the ball at, for example, at or below the waist of the body. In contrast, a ball exiting the upper edge 34 at or near the second lateral edge 38 of the first net 26 will be received by the user, for example, the head and shoulder areas of the body. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper edge 34 may be arcuate or substantially straight. Therefore, the angle of curvature of the concave ramp surface 30 varies from the first lateral edge 36 of the concave ramp surface 30 to the second lateral edge 38 thereof.

The first net 26 and the second net 28 are supported by the frame 14 at a predetermined tension so as to function to reliably return balls in the manner specified herein. With respect to the first net 26, the first net 26 may be provided with four pockets 50-1, 50-2, 50-3 and 50-4 that may be located at the corners of the first net 26 that receive parts of the frame 14 that are adjacent to the first net receiving area 23. To tension other parts of the first net 26, a plurality of bungee cords can be used to draw the first net 26 towards the frame 14. The second net 28 can be connected to the frame 14 utilizing any suitable connection methodology. For example, a plurality of bungee cords can be used to connect the second net 28 to the frame 14.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an example of the frame 14 is shown with the first net 26 and the second nets 28 removed. The frame 14 is provided with a first side frame 54, a second side frame 56, a plurality of lower or fixed cross-bars 58-1, 58-2 and 58-3, a cross-bar 59-1, and an adjustable cross-bar 59-2. The lower cross-bars 58-1, 58-2 and 58-3, the cross-bar 59-1, and the adjustable cross-bar 59-2 extend laterally between the first side frame 54 and the second side frame 56. In the example shown, the lower cross-bars 58-1, 58-2 and 58-3, the cross-bar 59-1, and the adjustable cross-bar 59-2 are connected to the first side frame 54 and the second side frame 56 and supported in a parallel relationship. Although, it should be understood that the lower cross-bars 58-1, 58-2 and 58-3, the cross-bar 59-1, and the adjustable cross-bar 59-2 could be supported by the first side frame 54 and the second side frame 56 in a non-parallel relationship.

In the example shown, the first side frame 54 and the second side frame 56 are similar in construction and function and may be mirror images, with the exception that the second side frame 56 may be constructed to support the upper edge 34 at the second lateral edge 38 of the first net 26 at a vertical height higher than the first side frame 54 supports the upper edge 34 at the first lateral edge 36. For purposes of clarity only the second side frame 56 will be described in detail hereinafter. It should be understood, that like elements may be designated on the first side frame 54 by a same reference numeral and an alphabetic suffix.

An example of the second side frame 56 is shown in FIG. 4. The second side frame 56 is provided with a first base member 60, a second base member 62, a first net support member 64, a second net support member 66, a brace 68, a first tab 70, a second tab 72, a third tab 74, and a fourth tab 76. The first base member 60 is provided in an arcuate shape and has a first end 78 that is sized and configured to be positioned in the pocket 50-3 to support a portion of the first net 26. The first base member 60 is also provided with a second end 80 that is connected to the first net support member 64 via welding, for example. The first net support member 64 is connected to the second base member 62 via any suitable manner, such as a male/female connection that is reinforced with a pin. The second base member 62 extends away from the second end 80 in an oblique angle and in a downwardly direction so as to form V-shape to have a lower portion 81 that is coplanar with the first end 78 for engaging the ball support surface 12. The second net support member 66 is connected to the second base member 62 and extends vertically upward therefrom for supporting the second net 28. The brace 68 extends between and is connected to the second base member 62 and the second net support member 66 and serves to provide structural support to the second net support member 66 to keep the second net support member 66 from substantially flexing when a ball contacts the second net 28.

The first net support member 64 has a first end 84 connected to the second base member 62 such that the first net support member 64 and the second base member 62 are in a linear relationship. The first net support member 64 also extends away from and over the first base member 60 generally to form an arcuate angle between the first net support member 64 and the first base member 60. The first net support member 64 terminates in a second end 86 (i.e., upper end of the second frame member 56) that is sized and configured to be disposed in the pocket 50-2 of the first net 26.

The first tab 70 is connected to and extends downwardly from the first base member 60 and terminates at a position about coplanar with the first end 78 and the lower portion 81 for engaging the ball support surface 12. The first tab 70 is connected to and may support the lower cross-bar 58-1 in a fixed and non-movable configuration until the first tab 70 is disassembled from the lower cross-bar 58-1. The second tab 72 is connected to and extends away from the first net support member 64 in a direction generally opposite from the first net receiving area 23. The second tab 72 may be movably connected to the adjustable cross-bar 59-2 to permit the adjustable cross-bar 59-2 to move relative to the first net support member 64 for placing the pocket 50-2 onto the second end 86, tensioning the first net 26, and removing the pocket 50-2 from the second end 86 to disassemble the training device 10.

The third tab 74 is connected to and extends downwardly from the second base member 62 and terminates at a position about coplanar with the first end 78 and the lower portion 81 for engaging the ball support surface 12. The third tab 74 is connected to and may support the lower cross-bar 58-2 in a fixed and non-movable configuration until the third tab 74 is disassembled from the lower cross-bar 58-2. The fourth tab 76 is connected to and extends downwardly from the second base member 62 adjacent to the first end 84 of the first net support member 64. The fourth tab 76 is connected to and may support the lower cross-bar 58-3 in a fixed and non-movable configuration until the fourth tab 76 is disassembled from the lower cross-bar 58-3.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7, an example of the adjustable cross-bar 59-2 is shown. The adjustable cross-bar 59-2 is provided with a first end 100 and a second end 102. The adjustable cross-bar 59-2 is designed such that the first end 100 and the second end 102 are movable relative to each other. In a net tensioning position shown in FIG. 6A, the first end 100 and the second end 102 are a first distance 104 apart. In an assembly position shown in FIG. 6B, the first end 100 and the second end 102 are a second distance 106 apart. In the net tensioning position, the first end 100 and the second end 102 may be apart a predetermined distance that properly stretches and tensions the first net 26. In other words, the first distance 104 may be preselected based upon a predetermined design of the first net 26 and sizing of the components of the frame 14 to provide an amount of tension in the first net 26 to return balls in a consistent and predetermined manner. In the assembly position, the first end 100 and the second end 102 are closer together to permit the pockets 50-1 and 50-2 of the first net 26 to be applied to and/or removed from the second end 86 of the first net support member 64 of the second side frame 56, and a second end 86 a (i.e., upper end of the first frame 56) of a first net support member 64 a of the first side frame 54.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7, the adjustable cross-bar 59-2 has a first section 120 and a second section 122, which may be at least partially formed of tubular components as shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7. The first section 120 has a first end 124 and a second end 126. The first end 124 is movably connected to the second tab 72. For example, the first end 124 can be pivotally connected with a pin or bolt extending through the second tab 72, and the first section 120 adjacent to the second end 126 overlaps the second section 122. As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7, the first tab 72 can have a connection portion 127-1 configured to be movably connected to the first end 124. For example, the connection portion 127-1 can be provided with a U-shape having a void receiving the first end 124. The first section 120 is movably connected to the second section 122 to permit at least one of the first end 100 and the second end 102 of the adjustable cross-bar 59-2 to be moved between the net tensioning position and the assembly position. The second section 122 can be movably connected to the second tab 72 a, as shown for example in FIGS. 3, 6A, 6B and 7. The second tab 72 a can have a connection portion 127-2 configured to be movably connected to the second section 122. For example, the connection portion 127-2 can be provided with a U-shape having a void receiving an end of the second section 122. The end of the second section 122 can be pivotally connected with a pin or bolt extending through the second tab 72 a and second section 122. As shown in FIG. 2, the connection portions 127-1 and 127-2 can have two legs that are spaced a distance apart along a length of the second tabs 72 and 72 a. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the connection portions 127-1 and 127-2 can have two legs that are spaced a distance apart along a width of the second tabs 72 and 72 a. It should be understood that the connection portions 127-1 and 127-2 can be provided at the same orientation so that the pivot connections are provided in parallel and will not bind upon simultaneous movement of the first section 120 and the second section 122. Further, the connection portions 127-1 and 127-2 can be provided at other orientations relative to the length and/or width of the second tabs 72 and 72 a.

As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7, the first section 120 may include a first support component 128-1 connected to a second support component 128-2. The first support component 128-1 may be tubular, and the second support component 128-2 may be a U-shaped channel that is sized to receive the second section 122. As shown, the second support component 128-2 of the first section overlaps, partially surrounds and overlies the second section 122. The second support component 128-2 may be movably connected to the second section 122. For example, in the embodiment shown, the second support component 128-2 has two lateral openings 130 and 132. The second support component 128-2 may be pivotally connected to the second section 122 by placing a component such as a pin or bolt through the lateral opening 130 and the second section 122. The lateral opening 132 may receive a pin or bolt that is designed to be easily removable without destruction of the pin or bolt for securing the first section 120 relative to the second section 122 in the net tensioning position.

To mount the first net 26 on the frame 14, a user places the pockets 50-3 and 50-4 on the first end 78 and the first end 78 a, places either one of the pockets 50-1 and 50-2 on the second end 86 or 86 a, and then removes the pin or bolt from the lateral opening 132. Once the pin or bolt is removed from the lateral opening, the second support component 128-2 is moved away from the second section 122 to move the first end 100 and the second end 102 closer together. Then, a remaining one of the pockets 50-1 or 50-2 is placed over the second end 86 or 86 a, and the second support component 128-2 is moved towards the second section 122 to move the first end and the second end 102 apart. The second support component 128-2 acts as a lever to stretch and tension the first net 26 as the second support component 128-2 is moved to the second section 122. Once the lateral opening 132 is aligned with a corresponding opening in the second section 122, then the pin or bolt can be replaced to secure the adjustable cross-bar 59-2 in the net tensioning position.

As mentioned above, the training device 10 is used to practice sporting activities played with a ball, such as, for example, soccer. In use, the frame 14 is placed on the ball support surface 12 so that the lower edge 32 is positioned on the ball support surface 12. A ball is kicked or otherwise projected along the ball support surface 12 toward the lower edge 32 of the concave ramp surface 30 so as to cause the ball to be received on the concave ramp surface 30 and to travel along the concave ramp surface 30 via the upper edge 34 whereby the ball is directed or looped back over the lower edge 32 and toward a user allowing the user to manipulate the ball in a desired manner.

The ball may be projected along the ball support surface 12 toward the lower edge 32 in any manner or motion desired such as, for example, by a user kicking, rolling, hitting, pushing, sliding, and the like, so as to cause the ball to be received on the concave ramp surface 30 or the ball may be projected by another individual or automatically by a machine. The ball may be directed at a selected location of the lower edge 32 of the concave ramp surface 30 and at a velocity selected by the user to achieve a desired trajectory.

Manipulation of the ball upon receipt by the user is based upon the user's identification of the trajectory of the ball once the ball exits the upper edge 34 of the concave ramp surface 30. Examples of such manipulation depend upon the desire and decision of the user. Areas of contact the user may choose to engage the ball upon receipt include, the head, shoulders, chest, knees, feet, or anywhere desired by the user.

Although an example of the adjustable cross-bar 59-2 is shown and described having the first section 120 and the second section 122 being pivotably connected, it should be understood that other manners of moving the first end 100 and the second end 102 relative to each other can be used. For example, the adjustable cross-bar 59-2 can be implemented utilizing multiple telescoping cross-bar members with multiple holes and a pin or multiple snap buttons to permit selective movement of the cross-bar members relative to each other; utilizing multiple cross-bars that are threadingly engaged so permit selective movement of at least one of the cross-bars relative to the other by rotating at least one of the cross-bars; utilizing a turnbuckle connecting at least two cross-bar members together, or utilizing any form of a lever or handle for moving the cross-bar members relative to each other.

From the above description, it is clear that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the advantages mentioned herein, as well as those inherent in the invention. While a presently preferred embodiment of the invention has been described herein for purposes of this disclosure, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished within the spirit of the invention disclosed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A training device, comprising: a net having a predetermined design; and a frame having a first side frame, a second side frame, a top end and a bottom end defining a net receiving area, the frame comprising an adjustable cross-bar, the adjustable cross-bar comprising a first section coupled to the first side frame, and a second section coupled to the second side frame, the first section being movable relative to the second section for moving a first portion of the first side frame and a second portion of the second side frame between a net tensioning position a first distance apart and an assembly position a second distance apart, the second distance less than the first distance and the first distance being a predetermined distance that properly stretches and tensions the net; and wherein the net is supported and tensioned by the first side frame and the second side frame within the net receiving area to form a concave ramp surface when the adjustable cross-bar is in the net tensioning position.
 2. The training device of claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises at least one fixed cross bar connected to the first side frame and the second side frame, and extending laterally between the first side frame and the second side frame.
 3. The training device of claim 2, wherein the fixed cross bar and the adjustable cross-bar are in a parallel relationship.
 4. The training device of claim 2, wherein the at least one fixed cross bar is lower than the adjustable cross-bar.
 5. The training device of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the first side frame is a first upper end, and the second portion of the second side frame is a second upper end.
 6. The training device of claim 1, wherein the first section of the adjustable cross-bar includes a first support component connected to a second support component, the first support component movably connected to the first side frame and the second support component movably coupled to the second section of the adjustable cross-bar.
 7. The training device of claim 6, wherein the second support component of the first section of the adjustable cross-bar overlaps the second section of the adjustable cross-bar.
 8. The training device of claim 7, wherein the second support component is a U-shaped channel that is sized to receive the second section of the adjustable cross-bar.
 9. The training device of claim 6, wherein the second support component is pivotally connected to the second section of the adjustable cross-bar. 